Cost Of Living in Hungary 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Hungary
Whether you're living in Hungary or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: HUF
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: HUF
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: HUF
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: HUF
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: HUF
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Hungary
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
84%
76% to 93%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 6% |
| 50% - 60% | 11% |
| 60% - 70% | 17% |
| 70% - 80% | 26% |
| 80% - 90% | 16% |
| 90% - 100% | 9% |
| 100% - 110% | 5% |
| 110% - 120% | 3% |
| 120% - 130% | 2% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Hungary is 84%
This means that on average, people spend around 84% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 17% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
76%
Spending-Income-Ratio
68%
84%
Couple
80%
Spending-Income-Ratio
72%
88%
Family
88%
Spending-Income-Ratio
80%
98%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Financial Literacy in
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy61%
We asked residents of whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 39% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 61% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 30% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 70% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance30%
Easily manages finances70%
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Hungary
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Hungary
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
| 4,400 HUF | 31,000 HUF | 210,000 HUF |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 12,000 HUF | 39,000 HUF | 260,000 HUF |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 20,000 HUF | 58,000 HUF | 380,000 HUF |
Internet and cable cost
| 3,900 HUF | 7,900 HUF | 11,000 HUF |
Mobile phone bill and charges
| 3,200 HUF | 5,300 HUF | 16,000 HUF |
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Hungary ranges between 4,400 HUF and 210,000 HUF with average being 31,000 HUF, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 39,000 HUF with 12,000 HUF and 260,000 HUF being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 58,000 HUF. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 3,900 HUF to 11,000 HUF with 7,900 HUF being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 5,300 HUF but can range between 3,200 HUF and 16,000 HUF depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Hungary is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3% to 10% depending on salary and location.
How much money can you save in Hungary every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Hungary manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 65% of the surveyed people in Hungary said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 35% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Hungary
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 65% | 35% |
| Couples | 60% | 40% |
| Families | 55% | 45% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
21,000 HUF
$57 | 270,000 HUF
$740 | 2.7M HUF
$7,400 |
For most people, 11% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 18% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 270,000 HUF on average with savings ranging from 21,000 HUF to 2.7M HUF.
65% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 60% of couples said the same. 55% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Hungary?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
21,000 HUF
$57 | 190,000 HUF
$510 | 1.2M HUF
$3,400 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 30% |
| 10% - 20% | 24% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 15% |
| 40% - 50% | 12% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 22% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 190,000 HUF with 21,000 HUF and 1.2M HUF being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
100,000 HUF
$280 | 310,000 HUF
$850 | 1.7M HUF
$4,500 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 34% |
| 10% - 20% | 26% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 10% |
| 40% - 50% | 9% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 32% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 310,000 HUF with 100,000 HUF and 1.7M HUF being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
140,000 HUF
$400 | 410,000 HUF
$1,100 | 2.7M HUF
$7,400 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 37% |
| 10% - 20% | 29% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 7% |
| 40% - 50% | 6% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Hungary can save anywhere between 10% to 29% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 410,000 HUF with 140,000 HUF and 2.7M HUF being the minimum and maximum respectively.
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Hungary
Housing cost for a couple29%
29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)
| LOW | $270 99,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $810 300,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $4,300 1.6M HUF |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $32 12,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $110 39,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $700 260,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost10%
10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)
| LOW | $96 35,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $290 100,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,500 560,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost16%
16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)
| LOW | $110 41,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $330 120,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,800 650,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)
| LOW | $88 32,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $260 96,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,400 510,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $48 17,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $140 52,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $760 280,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Education Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $16 5,800 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $48 17,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $250 93,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $140 49,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $410 150,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $2,200 790,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Typical saving choices for people in Hungary
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 11% |
| Gold | 11% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 11% |
| Cash Savings | 17% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 6% |
| Bonds | 6% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
Low-cost alternatives in Hungary
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options60%
Few low-cost options40%
Based on the survey, 60% of the people living in Hungary have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 40% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Affordable living in Hungary
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Hungary?
Around 66% of surveyed residents think that living in Hungary is affordable with proper budgeting while 34% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Saving Challenges in Hungary
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Hungary. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 6% |
| High Expenses | 9% |
| Debt and Loans | 17% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 11% |
| Impulsive Spending | 10% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 6% |
| Will do it later | 18% |
| Inflation | 11% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes66%
No34%
Based on the survey, 34% of the people living in Hungary said that they don't have an emergency fund while 66% said that they do.
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Hungary
Housing cost for a family28%
28% of total expenses on average (23% to 38%)
| LOW | $360 130,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $1,000 370,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $6,600 2.4M HUF |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)
| LOW | $56 20,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $160 58,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,000 380,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)
| LOW | $110 41,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $320 120,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $2,100 760,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost20%
20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)
| LOW | $200 73,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $570 210,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $3,700 1.4M HUF |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses10%
10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)
| LOW | $100 37,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $320 120,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,700 600,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $56 20,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $160 58,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,000 380,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Education Cost14%
14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)
| LOW | $160 57,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $450 160,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $2,900 1.1M HUF |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses14%
14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $89 33,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $250 93,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,700 600,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Hungary
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 24% of the people in Hungary have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 76% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Hungary
Debt to income ratio
29%
20% to 38%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 29% of the people's monthly income in Hungary goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 13% |
| 40% - 50% | 12% |
| 30% - 40% | 14% |
| 20% - 30% | 14% |
| 10% - 20% | 17% |
| 0% - 10% | 27% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Hungary pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 13% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Hungary
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 12% |
| Auto Loan | 21% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 26% |
| Personal Loan | 38% |
12% of debtors in Hungary confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 21% of people and personal loans rose at 38%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Hungary.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Hungary
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 54% |
| Once a year | 22% |
| Twice a year | 12% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Financial goals of people in Hungary
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Hungary, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 7% |
| Debt Reduction | 35% |
| Retirement Savings | 8% |
| Education Funding | 8% |
| Homeownership | 17% |
| Investing | 8% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 10% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 10% |
| Financial Independence | 8% |
Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 35% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Hungary
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Hungary and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Hungary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 2M HUF |
| 30 | 4.1M HUF |
| 35 | 7.2M HUF |
| 40 | 10M HUF |
| 45 | 15M HUF |
| 50 | 21M HUF |
| 55 | 26M HUF |
| 60 | 32M HUF |
| 65 | 38M HUF |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 13% |
| Savings | 22% |
| Investments | 13% |
| Social Security | 8% |
| Annuities | 8% |
| Part-time Job | 11% |
| Real Estate | 17% |
| Dividends and Interest | 8% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Hungary 42,000 HUF
$120 | 380,000 HUF
$1,000 | 2.5M HUF
$7,000 |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Hungary
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Hungary
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 66,000 HUF | 98,000 HUF | 260,000 HUF |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 98,000 HUF | 160,000 HUF | 390,000 HUF |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 130,000 HUF | 200,000 HUF | 530,000 HUF |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 160,000 HUF | 260,000 HUF | 720,000 HUF |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 320,000 HUF | 790,000 HUF | 1.6M HUF |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 260,000 HUF | 390,000 HUF | 1.1M HUF |
House monthly rent cost
| 320,000 HUF | 790,000 HUF | 1.6M HUF |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 390,000 HUF | 980,000 HUF | 1.6M HUF |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Hungary ranges between 66,000 HUF and 260,000 HUF, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 98,000 HUF to 390,000 HUF. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 130,000 HUF and 530,000 HUF per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 160,000 HUF to 720,000 HUF. The average rent of a townhouse in Hungary is around 390,000 HUF while house rental costs can be as high as 790,000 HUF per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 390,000 HUF to 1.6M HUF per month.
Apartment and house prices in Hungary
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
1-bedroom apartment price
2-bedroom apartment price
| $72,000 | $220,000 | $430,000 |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 88M HUF | 130M HUF | 390M HUF |
Townhouse price
| 110M HUF | 260M HUF | 980M HUF |
House price
| 130M HUF | 790M HUF | 1,100M HUF |
Villa price
| 160M HUF | 880M HUF | 1,300M HUF |
The average price of a studio apartment in Hungary can range from 13M HUF to 39M HUF depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 16M HUF to 98M HUF. A villa can cost you 880M HUF on average with prices ranging from 160M HUF to 1,300M HUF.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Hungary will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 38 | x111 monthly income | 206 |
Property prices in Hungary can be x111 to x206 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x111 multiples of the average monthly salary in Hungary.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Hungary is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 41% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
29% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
| 1,200 HUF | 15,000 HUF | 150,000 HUF |
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
How do people spend their money in Hungary?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure26%
26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)
| LOW | $48 17,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $620 230,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $6,200 2.3M HUF |
| Per Month |
People living in Hungary typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 230,000 HUF with expenditure ranging from 17,000 HUF to 2.3M HUF. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)
| LOW | $8 2,900 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $100 38,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,000 380,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Hungary ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 38,000 HUF with 2,900 HUF and 380,000 HUF being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $16 5,800 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $210 76,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $2,100 760,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 5,800 HUF to 760,000 HUF on commuting with 76,000 HUF being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.
Food and Groceries Cost27%
27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)
| LOW | $40 15,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $520 190,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $5,200 1.9M HUF |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Hungary is 190,000 HUF. The cost of groceries can range between 15,000 HUF to 1.9M HUF. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services9%
9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $11 4,100 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $140 53,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,400 530,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
People in Hungary allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 4,100 HUF to 530,000 HUF with 53,000 HUF being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)
| LOW | $6.4 2,300 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $83 30,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $830 300,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 2,300 HUF to 300,000 HUF with 30,000 HUF being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.
Education and Schooling6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $9.6 3,500 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $120 45,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,200 450,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 45,000 HUF per month with 3,500 HUF being the minimum spent amount and 450,000 HUF being the maximum.
Other Expenses12%
12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $21 7,600 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $270 98,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $2,700 980,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Hungary
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Hungary
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
| 790 HUF | 1,600 HUF | 2,600 HUF |
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Hungary is approximatly 1,600 HUF with meal cost ranging from 790 HUF to 2,600 HUF. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
| 2,600 HUF | 3,900 HUF | 7,900 HUF |
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 2,600 HUF and 7,900 HUF with 3,900 HUF being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Hungary.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 5,300 HUF | 7,900 HUF | 32,000 HUF |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 5,300 HUF to 32,000 HUF with the average cost being 7,900 HUF for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Hungary.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
| 660 HUF | 1,100 HUF | 1,600 HUF |
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Hungary is around 1,100 HUF. Price ranges between 660 HUF and 1,600 HUF depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Hungary is 630 HUF. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 790 HUF and the minimum being 530 HUF depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 530 HUF on average with 390 HUF and 790 HUF being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
| 890 HUF | 1,200 HUF | 1,600 HUF |
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Hungary is between 890 HUF and 1,600 HUF depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 1,200 HUF.
Pack of beef price
| 1,100 HUF | 1,600 HUF | 3,200 HUF |
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 1,600 HUF. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Hungary costs around 580 HUF on average with prices rangeing between 420 HUF and 820 HUF depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 160 HUF to 390 HUF. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 370 HUF on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Hungary is around 26%. This means that people spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 84,000 HUF per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 12,000 HUF and 560,000 HUF depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 120,000 HUF per month. That number can be get as low as 41,000 HUF or a high as 650,000 HUF. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 73,000 HUF to 1.4M HUF with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Hungary
Housing cost for a single person32%
32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)
| LOW | $73 27,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $520 190,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $3,400 1.3M HUF |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)
| LOW | $12 4,400 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $86 31,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $570 210,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $16 5,900 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $110 42,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $760 280,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)
| LOW | $32 12,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $230 84,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,500 560,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost11%
11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)
| LOW | $18 6,600 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $130 47,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $860 310,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%
3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)
| LOW | $10 3,700 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $72 26,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $480 170,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Education Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $4 1,500 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $29 10,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $190 70,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses20%
20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $36 13,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $260 94,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,700 630,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Hungary
Housing costs for Student20%
20% of total expenses on average (15% to 26%)
| LOW | $38 14,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $250 92,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,700 610,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $6.4 2,300 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $42 15,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $280 100,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $11 4,100 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $73 27,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $490 180,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure22%
22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)
| LOW | $32 12,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $210 76,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,400 510,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $9.6 3,500 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $63 23,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $420 150,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $8 2,900 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $52 19,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $350 130,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Education Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $30 11,000 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $200 72,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,300 480,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses17%
17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $24 8,700 HUF |
| AVERAGE | $160 57,000 HUF |
| HIGH | $1,000 380,000 HUF |
| Per Month |
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Hungary is 520,000 HUF. Expenses can range from 74,000 HUF at the minimum level to 3.5M HUF at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Hungary is 870,000 HUF. Expenditure can range from 290,000 HUF to 4.6M HUF per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Hungary is 1.2M HUF per month. Families spend anywhere from 410,000 HUF to 7.6M HUF.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Hungary is 380,000 HUF. Students spend from 58,000 HUF to 2.5M HUF per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Hungary
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
| 790 HUF | 1,600 HUF | 2,600 HUF |
Restaurant meal for one
| 2,600 HUF | 3,900 HUF | 7,900 HUF |
Fine dining meal for one
| 5,300 HUF | 7,900 HUF | 32,000 HUF |
Cappuccino or latte
| 660 HUF | 1,100 HUF | 1,600 HUF |
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
| 890 HUF | 1,200 HUF | 1,600 HUF |
Pack of beef
| 1,100 HUF | 1,600 HUF | 3,200 HUF |
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
| 660 HUF | 790 HUF | 1,600 HUF |
Average car full tank
| 3,900 HUF | 5,300 HUF | 11,000 HUF |
Average car 1-day rental
| 3,900 HUF | 5,300 HUF | 7,900 HUF |
Average car price
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
| 5,300 HUF | 7,900 HUF | 16,000 HUF |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
| 4,400 HUF | 31,000 HUF | 210,000 HUF |
Utility Bill - Couple
| 12,000 HUF | 39,000 HUF | 260,000 HUF |
Utility Bill - Family
| 20,000 HUF | 58,000 HUF | 380,000 HUF |
Internet and cable
| 3,900 HUF | 7,900 HUF | 11,000 HUF |
Mobile phone charges
| 3,200 HUF | 5,300 HUF | 16,000 HUF |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
| 2,000 HUF | 2,600 HUF | 3,900 HUF |
One month gym membership
| 6,300 HUF | 7,900 HUF | 16,000 HUF |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
| 4,600 HUF | 6,600 HUF | 9,800 HUF |
Woman dress
| 4,400 HUF | 6,100 HUF | 20,000 HUF |
Woman shoes
| 4,100 HUF | 5,600 HUF | 13,000 HUF |
Men's shoes
| 3,600 HUF | 4,400 HUF | 8,800 HUF |
Men suit
| 3,900 HUF | 4,900 HUF | 26,000 HUF |
Regular t-shirt
| 2,000 HUF | 2,600 HUF | 7,900 HUF |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 66,000 HUF | 98,000 HUF | 260,000 HUF |
1-bedroom apartment
| 98,000 HUF | 160,000 HUF | 390,000 HUF |
2-bedroom apartment
| 130,000 HUF | 200,000 HUF | 530,000 HUF |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment
2-bedroom apartment
| $72,000 | $220,000 | $430,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 79,000 HUF | 98,000 HUF | 130,000 HUF |
Double Bed
| 53,000 HUF | 79,000 HUF | 98,000 HUF |
Single Bed
| 46,000 HUF | 61,000 HUF | 79,000 HUF |
Living Room
| 88,000 HUF | 110,000 HUF | 390,000 HUF |
Dining Table
| 39,000 HUF | 53,000 HUF | 98,000 HUF |
Sofa or Couch
| 53,000 HUF | 72,000 HUF | 160,000 HUF |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 53,000 HUF | 79,000 HUF | 160,000 HUF |
Fridge or Freezer
| 46,000 HUF | 72,000 HUF | 98,000 HUF |
Washing Machine
| 61,000 HUF | 88,000 HUF | 160,000 HUF |
Stove or Cooker
| 56,000 HUF | 72,000 HUF | 98,000 HUF |
Mobile Phone
| 66,000 HUF | 79,000 HUF | 110,000 HUF |
Laptop or Computer
| 72,000 HUF | 88,000 HUF | 160,000 HUF |
